Dynamic Network Address Allocation for IP Exhaustion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network address exhaustion is a significant issue in IP version 4, leading to inefficiencies and scalability challenges, especially in large organizations with variable network demands, as rigid allocation schemes can result in underutilization or overallocation of addresses.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic address allocation system that automatically adjusts network address allocations based on demand, using an address allocation service that monitors resource usage and reallocates addresses as needed, allowing for initial and additional allocations to meet changing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed allocation schemes are used for network addresses, then initial configuration is simple, but address utilization efficiency deteriorates due to underutilization or overallocation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInitial configuration simplicityVSAvoidAddress utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic address allocation that automatically adjusts network address assignments based on real-time demand. The system monitors address utilization metrics and reallocates addresses dynamically, transitioning from static fixed allocation to adaptive dynamic allocation. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining simple initial configuration while dramatically improving address utilization efficiency through automated adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor address utilization patterns and use this information to optimize allocation decisions. By tracking usage metrics and adjusting allocations based on actual demand feedback, the system eliminates waste from both underutilization and overallocation while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If rigid allocation schemes are used, then address management is straightforward, but scalability deteriorates due to inability to adapt to variable network demands

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAddress management complexityVSAvoidScalability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms rigid static allocation into dynamic adaptive allocation that automatically scales with network demands. The system monitors growth patterns and adjusts address assignments in real-time, enabling the network to scale efficiently without manual intervention. This maintains straightforward management through automation while achieving high scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The address allocation system operates autonomously, self-managing the allocation and reallocation processes without requiring complex manual intervention. The automated monitoring and adjustment mechanisms enable the system to serve itself, maintaining simplicity while adapting to varying network demands and achieving scalability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If manual allocation is used, then control precision is high, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming allocation processes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAllocation control precisionVSAvoidAllocation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated feedback-based monitoring to achieve precise allocation control without manual intervention. By continuously tracking address utilization and automatically adjusting allocations based on real-time data, the system maintains high precision while dramatically increasing allocation speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical allocation processes with automated electronic monitoring and control systems. This substitution eliminates time-consuming manual operations while maintaining or improving allocation precision through automated decision-making algorithms that process data faster and more accurately than human operators.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2898423B1Dynamically allocating network addresses
Publication Date: 2020.02.26 AMAZON TECH INC
  • EP2898423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2898423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2898423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed are various embodiments for dynamically allocating network addresses to devices based on demand. A first network address allocation is initially assigned to a subdivision of a network including multiple computing devices. A router for the subdivision is configured to implement the first network address allocation. Data indicating a reconfiguration of the computing devices is obtained. A second network address allocation is subsequently assigned to the subdivision of the network based at least in part on the reconfiguration of the computing devices. The router for the subdivision is reconfigured to implement the second network address allocation.